Changing Tides

​My little girl leaves for college this week. I can’t help wondering if I did everything I could to prepare her for life.
 
Although she’s not leaving forever, her return home will never be the same as her time at home with her dad and me the first 18 years of her life. She’s starting a completely new chapter. Is she ready?
 
Am I ready?
 
She’s not my first to go off to college. Her oldest brother did that three years ago. And when he was getting ready to leave, I had many of the same feelings I’m experiencing today. I had to trust I had done my part to raise my boy to be a good man, to care about others, and to do the right thing, even when no one’s looking.
 
And now, I have to trust I’ve done my part to raise my daughter to be a good woman, to make good choices, to select her friends wisely, and to enjoy life. There’s no turning back the clock. I can second-guess all I want, but my opportunities to have significant influence in my daughter’s life are largely behind me. She has her whole life ahead of her.
 
I’m not sure I’m ready for her to leave. The time went by super fast. I’m thankful I was able to raise her alongside my husband. I had the pleasure of being a stay-at-home mom, and I’m grateful for the memories she and I share. I know she’ll be back.
 
I also know she’s ready. She’s eager to leave the nest and to spread her wings, to test her freedom. She’s a good kid, and I’m proud of her. I’m proud of all of my kids. (I have two others living at home and attending community college, and another one out on his own.)
 
So, as my daughter leaves to begin this new, exciting chapter of her life, her dad and I are starting a new chapter, too, with no kids in high school. I’m sure we all have adventures on our horizons. And I look forward to reuniting to share about them. 

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